We want to hear from you!
Have you used Free Library resources to start, build, or grow your business? Did you attend a class or workshop that really motivated you to enhance an aspect of your business? Did a librarian show you how to use a database or resource? If so, we want to hear YOUR story!
Please respond to erefbsi@freelibrary.org with your name, email, phone number, and description of your experience or submit your answers here.
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Introduction to Business Research
Tuesday, January 5, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Ground Floor Tech Lab
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Are you thinking of starting a small business? Start here.
This hands-on class is an introduction to business resources and research at the Free Library.
We will discuss:
- Introduction to small business books and databases
- The importance of NAICS/SIC and how to find the number that applies to your business
- Pennsylvania/Philadelphia business resources
- Other local resources
There will be time at the end of the program to familiarize yourself with the print and online resources.
A Free Library card and basic computer skills are a prerequisite.
Space is limited to 12 people per class. Tickets are available 30 minutes before class begins in the lobby of the library. You must show your Free Library card in order to receive a ticket.
Call 215-686-5394 for more information.
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Budgeting in the New Year!
Tuesday, January 12, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Skyline Room (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Want to improve your personal finances in the New Year? Let the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union help! Erin Ellis, PFCU's Accredited Financial Counselor, will present a Budgeting in the New Year seminar to help you improve your financial outlook in 2016 and beyond.
- Are you overspending and not saving enough money?
- Understand the importance of saving and know where your money is spent.
- Get the tools to create a realistic budget.
Join us for this program and kick off the New Year right!
Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
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Small Business Tax Workshop
Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Rooms 405/406 (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Calling all entrepreneurs to join us and learn:
- How to plan and prepare for taxes
- How record keeping minimizes your tax liability and preparation expenses
- Important deductions/credits to note (also difference between deduction and credit)
- And much more!
Presented by Fred Koelle, a CPA with 25+ years of experience with F.J. Koelle & Associates.
Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
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Access to Capital
Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Rooms 405/406 (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
T he U.S. Small Business Administration offers its free "Access to Capital" presentation. This presentation covers subjects that are always on the minds of small business owners and is a great way for small businesses to get an understanding of SBA programs.
Topics covered include:
- Business Counseling Resources
- SBA Loan Programs
- Loan Application Process
Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
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One-on-One: Get Your Business Online with Google Consultations
Research shows that 97% of consumers search the web to find local goods and services, but only 37% of businesses have claimed a local business listing on a search engine. The Free Library of Philadelphia's Business Department is teaming up with Google to help put you in control of your online presence. Sign up for a one-on-one session to run a quick diagnostic analysis to see how your business shows up on Google search, and learn how to get your business found online! If your business is listed as unverified, we will help you claim your local listing. If your business is already on the map, we will discuss ways to increase your visibility online!
Sessions are free and approximately 30 minutes in length. They will take place in the Business, Science & Industry Department located on the second floor of Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. Please reach out to us with any questions at 215-686-5394, or via email at erefbsi@freelibrary.org.
Sign up today by clicking here!
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Attention inventors, new business owners, and writers!
We are pleased to announce that we are compiling a list for free Patent/Trademark/Copyright consultations with Mr. John S. Child, Jr., an attorney with the law firm Paul & Paul of Philadelphia. Mr. Child specializes in Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law.
The next free consultations will take place in the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, January 27 at Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
If you would like to be on the waiting list, please respond to erefbsi@freelibrary.org with your name, email, and a phone number. We will contact you at the beginning of January (in order of response to this notice) to arrange a specific time on January 27 to talk with Mr. Child.
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MLK Day Small Business Legal Clinic
Monday, January 18, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ballard Spahr
1735 Market Street, 19103
Meet individually with a lawyer - for free!
Ask an attorney about:
- The right legal structure for your business (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Trademarks and logos
- Commercial leases
- Employees and consultants
- Contracts and other small business legal issues
Registration is required. To register, click here.
(215) 523-9565
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Of interest!
Tuesday, January 5, 6:30 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library
2228 Cottman Avenue, 19149
Join local 3D printing enthusiasts at this free workshop where you will see a live demonstration of this exciting new technology!
For more information call 215-685-0522.
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Also of interest!
Affordable Care Act for Businesses!
Saturday, January 9, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library
2228 Cottman Avenue, 19149
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires businesses to make many decisions regarding health care. The U.S. Small Business Administration's Eastern Pennsylvania District "Affordable Care Act Basics For Businesses" seminar is designed to help small business owners understand the basics of the law and what they should consider in making the best decision for their business and their employees.
There are important decisions businesses may need to consider, especially those who are still confused as to whether they need to provide health insurance or are trying to figure out how to qualify for the small business tax credit. The seminar will provide an overview of how the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment may apply to their business, eligibility for the Small Business Tax Credit and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).
Presented by Robert Goza, Economic Development Specialist,
This event is free and registration is not required.
For more information call 215-685-0522.
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Also of interest!
Saturday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library
2228 Cottman Avenue, 19149
Join us and learn:
- How credit works
- How to obtain and analyze your own credit report
- What your credit score means
- How to reorganize your budget to possibly reduce your bill and credit payments
This event is free and registration is not required.
For more information call 215-685-0522.
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Featured Database: Reference USA
ReferenceUSA is a great resource for entrepreneurs, sales people, and job seekers. ReferenceUSA helps users create marketing plans, conduct competitive analysis, raise funds and locate people. The information included in the database allows users to access more than 24 million businesses, 262 million consumers, information on U.S. new businesses, and U.S. new homeowners. ReferenceUSA's quality information helps entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and job seekers answer a wide variety of questions.
Watch the Free Library's video tutorial here!
Click here to check out more detailed online tutorials and webinars on using Reference USA.
For more information contact the Business, Science and Industry Department!
215-686-5394
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